Controllable spinning device

ABSTRACT

A system and method for controlling an action toy without electronics or motors. A spinning sphere includes a set of magnets supported by a cross beam. A magnet assembly, such as a ring or wand, may be held by an operator and used to control the spinning embodiments. Special play surfaces may be provided to enhance an experience and challenges of steering a spinning sphere.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Patent Application No.62/447,144 filed 17 Jan. 2017, the contents of which are herebyexpressly incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety for allpurposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an amusement device, system,and method, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a spinningtoy that may be controlled by a user without motors or electronics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not beassumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in thebackground section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the backgroundsection or associated with the subject matter of the background sectionshould not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the priorart. The subject matter in the background section merely representsdifferent approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.

Amusement systems are popular, particularly toys for young children.User interaction with an amusement system, particularly with active andmoving components, is sometimes desired. That interaction may becomplicated when using electronics or powered motors (e.g., batteryfailure). Such complication may be inappropriate for amusement systemsintended for use by young children.

What may be useful to certain users is a system and method forcontrolling an action toy without electronics or motors.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a system and method for controlling an action toy withoutelectronics or motors.

The following summary of the invention is provided to facilitate anunderstanding of some of the technical features related touser-controlled action devices, and is not intended to be a fulldescription of the present invention. A full appreciation of the variousaspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entirespecification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole. The presentinvention is applicable to other amusement system in addition tospinning spheres.

An embodiment of the present invention may include one or more: 1)single ring (to be worn on a finger) and ball combo—rings all have twomagnets of different polarities but to control the balls you use thesame polarity for the ball and for the magnet; 2) battling arena—kidsspin and control their balls trying to knock their opponent off theplatform; and 3) track system—raised tracks that kids control theirspinning ball over—The tracks may have different features like tunnels,seesaws, tightropes, ramps, and the like.

An embodiment of the present invention may include one or more of thefollowing features, characteristics, elements, structure, or method: 1)a spinable device supporting two or more magnets evenly distributed andaligned along an equator; 2) ring and/or wand with magnets to influencea direction of the spinning device; 3) device may include a safety crosshatch so in an event that the device fails, internal device magnetsremain encased in plastic to reduce any swallowing/choke hazards; 4)weight of ball and strength of magnets in device and controller may beoptimized for controlling a direction of motion for a spinning deviceand for tricks such as picking a spinning device up off of a playsurface; 5) use of magnets to control the device only when it is notspinning; 6) an alignment of the magnets in the device and an physicalarrangement such that the device may be a sphere (or have a rotationalsymmetry) that may allow that no matter how one spins the device, thedevice will align itself so that the magnets are spinning along theequator of the ball (which is important for control from above as themagnets are advantageously specifically balanced); 7) a device need nothave a top or bottom (may part of rotational symmetry), therefore theuser is not required to worry which side comes “up” after spinning (someembodiments may have two distinct sides to add an element of randomnessto use of the amusement system); 8) graphics on the device may create adice game when two balls connect (two devices of opposite polarities may“stick” and result in a battle result—the specifics may change basedupon the graphic element(s)); 9) multiple devices may be battled like ina Battle Game; 10) track systems that may involve guiding structures ofvarious sizes and configurations/arrangements/features to both constrainmotion as well as provide opportunity to navigate and control devicedirection and motion, for example a configuration may include going upramps, through tunnels, over very thin tight ropes or over see-saws—onegame play option may include a user selecting and assembling varioustrack components and compete to get a device over the track courseand/or competition for a fastest speed while maintaining the device onthe course; 11) various tricks with the spinning devices andinteractions with the controller that may help to develop hand/eye andmuscle coordination; 12) one or more lights or illumination elements,which may be simple ON/OFF illumination or may be responsive to control,device operation, and/or environment features (such as trackcomponents); 13) a device may include visual persistence graphics toproduce small animations during use; 14) a device may be controlledusing a controller not limited to a user-worn ring or a user-manipulatedwand; 15) other competitive or cooperative games (two users cooperate incontrolling a single spinning device to compete against another team orthe clock or to accomplish a predetermined goal) such as sports goalbased games, knock over things games, race games, and the like; 16) aconductive pad on the bottom of the spinning device that can be sensedby a smart phone, pad, or other touch-sensitive structure to play appgames using a controlled spinning device on the touch system as as acontroller for the application; 17) ink or media distribution from abottom of the spinning device allowing control of the spinning device totransfer a “drawn” image to a piece of paper or other foundation that ispart of, or supported by, a play surface; and 18) the device may bemanufactured from other materials in addition to, or in lieu of, plastic(e.g., aluminum or other non-magnetic material) as long as theinteraction of the magnets of the controller and the spinning device arenot adversely affected.

An embodiment of the present invention may include one or more importantpoints: a) one or more mechanisms of controlling a spinning sphereremotely with no electronics using handheld/worn/manipulated magnetassemblies, b) evenly spaced magnets on a sphere either inside thesphere or outside combined with spinning the sphere combined with ahandheld magnet creates a unique entertainment device, c) additionalsafety considerations may also be implemented, like the cross beamconstruction for improved anti-choke hazards.

An embodiment of the present invention may include a spin launcherfeature. Some embodiments are designed for enjoyment by children andyoung adults and some embodiments may be best operated while the deviceis spinning. A mechanism to mechanically induce a consistent andsufficient rotational speed to the device may increase enjoyment forsome of the user base. Such a feature may be implemented in a number ofways to induce spin in the device. For example, the controller (e.g.,the ring or wand) may include a “wind up” feature coupled to amechanical interface (e.g., a nub or dimple) that is non-circular (atriangle, square, or other regular/irregular polygon or arcuate (e.g.,elliptical) cross-section that mates to a complementary structure at oneor both poles. The controller feature may be wound by the user, engagedto the device, and when the controller is released, the spring willinduce the device to spin rapidly about the axis. When the launcher isincorporated into the controller, the user may quickly begin to controlthe spinning device.

An amusement system, including a body having a rotational symmetryincluding an axis extending between a first reference point and a secondreference point and further including a reference plane extendingperpendicularly from the axis between the reference points, thereference plane defining a reference perimeter; a plurality of magneticcomponents distributed about the reference perimeter; and a controller,independent from the body, including a magnet structure configured tocontrol a direction of motion of the body as it spins over a playsurface.

A method of operating an amusement system, including a) spinning a firstbody on a play surface producing a spinning first body, the first bodyhaving a rotational symmetry including a first axis extending between afirst reference point and a second reference point and further includinga first reference plane extending perpendicularly from the axis betweenthe reference points, the first reference plane defining a firstreference perimeter; and a plurality of magnetic components distributedabout the first reference perimeter, wherein the first reference pointis proximate the play surface and wherein the second reference pointextends above the play surface; and b) positioning a first controller,independent from the first body, over the second reference point whilethe first body is spinning, the first controller including a magnetstructure complementary to the plurality of magnetic components; and c)inducing a movement of the spinning first body over the play surface bytranslating the first controller over the play surface proximate thesecond reference point.

Any of the embodiments described herein may be used alone or togetherwith one another in any combination. Inventions encompassed within thisspecification may also include embodiments that are only partiallymentioned or alluded to or are not mentioned or alluded to at all inthis brief summary or in the abstract. Although various embodiments ofthe invention may have been motivated by various deficiencies with theprior art, which may be discussed or alluded to in one or more places inthe specification, the embodiments of the invention do not necessarilyaddress any of these deficiencies. In other words, different embodimentsof the invention may address different deficiencies that may bediscussed in the specification. Some embodiments may only partiallyaddress some deficiencies or just one deficiency that may be discussedin the specification, and some embodiments may not address any of thesedeficiencies.

Other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention willbe apparent upon a review of the present disclosure, including thespecification, drawings, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification,further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detaileddescription of the invention, serve to explain the principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of a cross beam of the embodiment ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of a magnet assembly forcontrol;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation view of the magnet assembly of FIG.4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a first play mode;

FIG. 7 illustrates a second play mode;

FIG. 8 illustrates a beginning of a third play mode;

FIG. 9 illustrates an end of the third play mode;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevation view of a first play surface;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top plan view of the first play surface of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side elevation view of a second play surface;

FIG. 13 illustrates a top plan view of the second play surface of FIG.12; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a side elevation view of an interaction device thatmay be used with a play surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method forcontrolling an action toy without electronics or motors. The followingdescription is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art tomake and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patentapplication and its requirements.

Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the genericprinciples and features described herein will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended tobe limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widestscope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

Definitions

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this general inventive conceptbelongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those definedin commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealizedor overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

The following definitions apply to some of the aspects described withrespect to some embodiments of the invention. These definitions maylikewise be expanded upon herein.

As used herein, the term “or” includes “and/or” and the term “and/or”includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associatedlisted items. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding alist of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modifythe individual elements of the list.

As used herein, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, reference to an object can include multiple objects unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise.

Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims thatfollow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. It will be understood that when an elementis referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on theother element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. Incontrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” anotherelement, there are no intervening elements present.

As used herein, the term “set” refers to a collection of one or moreobjects. Thus, for example, a set of objects can include a single objector multiple objects. Objects of a set also can be referred to as membersof the set. Objects of a set can be the same or different. In someinstances, objects of a set can share one or more common properties.

As used herein, the term “adjacent” refers to being near or adjoining.Adjacent objects can be spaced apart from one another or can be inactual or direct contact with one another. In some instances, adjacentobjects can be coupled to one another or can be formed integrally withone another.

As used herein, the terms “connect,” “connected,” and “connecting” referto a direct attachment or link. Connected objects have no or nosubstantial intermediary object or set of objects, as the contextindicates.

As used herein, the terms “couple,” “coupled,” and “coupling” refer toan operational connection or linking. Coupled objects can be directlyconnected to one another or can be indirectly connected to one another,such as via an intermediary set of objects.

The use of the term “about” applies to all numeric values, whether ornot explicitly indicated. This term generally refers to a range ofnumbers that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider as areasonable amount of deviation to the recited numeric values (i.e.,having the equivalent function or result). For example, this term can beconstrued as including a deviation of ±10 percent of the given numericvalue provided such a deviation does not alter the end function orresult of the value. Therefore, a value of about 1% can be construed tobe a range from 0.9% to 1.1%.

As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “substantial” refer to aconsiderable degree or extent. When used in conjunction with an event orcircumstance, the terms can refer to instances in which the event orcircumstance occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event orcircumstance occurs to a close approximation, such as accounting fortypical tolerance levels or variability of the embodiments describedherein.

As used herein, the terms “optional” and “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur andthat the description includes instances where the event or circumstanceoccurs and instances in which it does not.

As used herein, the term “size” refers to a characteristic dimension ofan object. Thus, for example, a size of an object that is spherical canrefer to a diameter of the object. In the case of an object that isnon-spherical, a size of the non-spherical object can refer to adiameter of a corresponding spherical object, where the correspondingspherical object exhibits or has a particular set of derivable ormeasurable properties that are substantially the same as those of thenon-spherical object. Thus, for example, a size of a non-sphericalobject can refer to a diameter of a corresponding spherical object thatexhibits light scattering or other properties that are substantially thesame as those of the non-spherical object. Alternatively, or inconjunction, a size of a non-spherical object can refer to an average ofvarious orthogonal dimensions of the object. Thus, for example, a sizeof an object that is a spheroidal can refer to an average of a majoraxis and a minor axis of the object. When referring to a set of objectsas having a particular size, it is contemplated that the objects canhave a distribution of sizes around the particular size. Thus, as usedherein, a size of a set of objects can refer to a typical size of adistribution of sizes, such as an average size, a median size, or a peaksize.

As used herein, the term “rotational symmetry” refers to a specificshape of a body embodying the present invention. This body includes apair of opposing reference points that define an axis, The body includesstability when rotating about this axis which refers to a resistance totoppling. When spinning, one of the reference points is proximate a playsurface and the opposing reference point extends away from the playsurface. Toppling is a tendency of certain bodies to tilt relative tothe play surface when a force is applied to the opposing referencepoint. Anti-toppling as a characteristic of rotational symmetry allows acontroller (such as a ring or a wand or the like) to manipulate the bodywhen it is spinning from a position directly above the spinning body.Another secondary characteristic that may be present in someimplementations includes that the body performs similarly with eitherreference point proximate the play surface with similar anti-topplingfeatures with either reference point “on top” and the other opposingreference point “on bottom” during play with the body spinning. Thisanti-toppling is not principally a gyroscopic effect as the body isdesigned to be spun by hand by a young child so anticipated rotationalspeeds are limited. In between the reference points, approximatelymidway (consistent with the importance of the secondary feature) betweenthe references is an equatorial reference plane extending generallyperpendicularly from the axis. Distributed evenly around a perimeter inthis reference plane are two or more magnetic components. A spacing ofthe reference plane from each reference point and a relative magneticstrength of the magnetic components vis-à-vis the magnetics isconfigured to allow the controller to influence direction (e.g., push(repulse) or pull (attract)) of the body when spinning from a positiondirectly above the axis of the spinning body. In some embodiments,rotational symmetry may be achieved by a spherical body, however otherbody shape configurations may be possible. For example, the magneticcomponents in the reference plane may form a square perimeter with theaxis extending through a center of the square. Embodiments may notrequire that this arrangement of the magnetic components and thereference points be included within a discrete housing (e.g., the sphereor the like).

An embodiment of the present invention may include gesture controlspinning magnetic spheres. Important features may include one or more ofthe following:

a) Spheres, the bottoms are preferred to be round or pin points (likespinning tops) but the sides can be round or flattened into shapes.Illustrated herein is a representative implementation including spheresrather than other toy configurations.

b) Two or more magnets (in this representative implementation fourmagnets are used) are placed evenly spaced from each other along alatitude or longitude of the sphere (the equator of the spheres in thisillustrated implementation). Note, the product does perform with a pairof magnets but is better with four magnets. An embodiment of the presentinvention may include, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more magnets distributedaround the equator or in the reference plane.

c) The magnets may be placed so that all the positive sides (e.g., northpoles) of the magnets face out, all the negative sides (e.g., southpoles) face out, alternating positive and negative poles, or some otherarbitrary configuration, fixed or alterable.

d) A magnet assembly, separate from the magnets in the spinning toy, isincluded to control the spinning toy. In some embodiments, this magnetassembly may define a ring wearable by the user or operator, but it mayalso be defined in a wand or simply be some other hand-held oruser-manipulated format.

e) To play with the product the user may spin the sphere like a spinningtop and then grasp and manipulate the magnet assembly near the sphere tocontrol the a movement of the sphere. This configuration allows that oneor more using may perform numerous tricks and numerous games with one ormore spheres.

f) When all the out facing magnets in the sphere are positive then thespinning sphere may be pushed by the positive side of the magnetassembly and may be pulled by the negative side of the magnet assembly.When the sphere includes negative out-facing magnets, the controlprotocol with the magnet assembly is reversed. A “randomized”configuration may include different outward facing poles, sometimesdifferent strengths, making operation with the magnetic assembly harderto predict which may be a desirable product goal for someimplementations.

g) Different magnet strengths in some embodiments may affect the gameplay in a wide range of ways to implement design goals. As noted,different embodiments may include magnets with the same strength, somewith all different strengths, and some with one or more sets of magnetswith different strengths.

h) For embodiments intended for use with children, it is important toprotect children from swallowing any of these magnets. Therefore thesphere and magnet assembly are larger than a standard opening in a choketube. Additionally, it is preferred that construction options includingdesigns wherein the magnets are extremely difficult to remove. This maybe achieved through material choices, welding choices, and constructionimplementation. One implementation may include embedding the magnets ofthe sphere in a center cross beam. The center cross beam will be largerthan an opening of the choke tube. This creates a double safety check sothat in an event that the sphere broke, the magnets could still not beswallowed. In production some embodiments may remove the cross beamimplementation when the sphere will not break during anticipated usesand misuses which may release the magnets but it is another feature ofthe illustrated design.

i) In some embodiments, the center cross beam may be madereplaceable/interchangeable to easily alter a pattern of the magnets ofthe sphere which can alter operation as described herein.

j) Game Play: Graphics on or integrated into the spheres may allow formany types of game play when two balls connect, dice games, battlinggames and the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment 100 of the presentinvention including a sphere 105 and a cross beam 110 that secures andplaces circumferential equatorial magnets, two or more magnets evenlydistributed by cross beam 110. Embodiment 100 is designed to spin abouta vertical axis as illustrated, the axis perpendicular to a planedefined by cross beam 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of embodiment 100. Embodiment 100includes a pair of half spheres 205 that surround and capture theinternal components, primarily cross beam 110 illustrated in FIG. 1.Cross beam 110 includes an N-armed support 210, N=4 as illustrated butmay be 3 or more and corresponds to a number of internal magnets 215.Magnets 215 are disposed at the end of each arm of support 210. A set ofspacers 220 may be used to help secure cross beam 110 to an internalsurface of half sphere 205, while allowing larger diameter disk magnets215 to be used and/or to secure magnets 215 to support 205 to decrease arisk of choking free magnets.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of cross beam 110 including support210, magnets 215, and optional spacers 220.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of a magnet assembly 400 forcontrol of a spinning embodiment 100, FIG. 5 illustrates a frontelevation view of magnet assembly 400. Magnet assembly is illustrated ina ring format to be worn on a finger of an operator though other formatsare possible as described herein. Magnet assembly 400 includes a housing405 defining an aperture 410 that secures a set of magnets 415 disposedin varying ways as described herein for control of a spinning embodiment100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a first play mode 600 in which embodiment 100 isspinning and magnet assembly 400 is held above, and spaced apart from,embodiment 100. As a user moves magnet assembly 400 laterally above asupport surface 605, embodiment 100 responds and tracks the lateralmovements by a magnetic coupling 610 between magnet assembly 400 andembodiment 100. This is one way that the user may steer and control aposition of embodiment 100 without electronics or motors

FIG. 7 illustrates a second play mode 700 which includes contactingspinning embodiment 100 with magnet assembly 400. The contact holdsembodiment 100 to magnet assembly 400 while it continues to spin,allowing a user to raises spinning embodiment 100 above play surface605. The user may reposition spinning embodiment 100 to a new locationand quickly shake magnet assembly 400 to release spinning embodiment 100and allow it to return to play surface 605.

FIG. 8 illustrates a beginning of a third play mode 800 and FIG. 9illustrates an end of third play mode 900. In third play mode 800, apair of spinning embodiments are each affixed with a set of gamingindicia, for example four quarters, each quarter having an indicator ofa value (one, two, three, infinity). In third play mode 900, theoperators of each spinning embodiment 100 has steered their devices intocontact with each other. One outcome is to compare the values of eachcontacted embodiment, a winner identified by the operator of theembodiment 100 having a greater value in the contacted quarter. In FIG.9, the value of embodiment 100 on the left is “3” while the value ofembodiment 100 on the right is “2” signifying that the operator ofembodiment 100 on the left won the round indicated.

Various play surfaces may be designed for use with one or more players,each controlling one or more spinning embodiments 100.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevation view of a first play surface; FIG.11 illustrates a top plan view of the first play surface of FIG. 10;FIG. 12 illustrates a side elevation view of a second play surface; FIG.13 illustrates a top plan view of the second play surface of FIG. 12;and FIG. 14 illustrates a side elevation view of an interaction devicethat may be used with a play surface. These play surfaces may includemodular components that may be assembled, reassembled, and reconfiguredin different ways using different sets of components to providedifferent challenges and play strategies.

The system and methods above has been described in general terms as anaid to understanding details of preferred embodiments of the presentinvention. In the description herein, numerous specific details areprovided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide athorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Somefeatures and benefits of the present invention are realized in suchmodes and are not required in every case. One skilled in the relevantart will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention can bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with otherapparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts,and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials,or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoidobscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and notnecessarily in all embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of thephrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specificembodiment” in various places throughout this specification are notnecessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics of any specificembodiment of the present invention may be combined in any suitablemanner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood thatother variations and modifications of the embodiments of the presentinvention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of theteachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit andscope of the present invention.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted inthe drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated orintegrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certaincases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application.

Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should beconsidered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwisespecifically noted. Combinations of components or steps will also beconsidered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as renderingthe ability to separate or combine is unclear.

The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the presentinvention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to thepresent invention in light of the foregoing description of illustratedembodiments of the present invention and are to be included within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

Thus, while the present invention has been described herein withreference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification,various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoingdisclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances somefeatures of embodiments of the invention will be employed without acorresponding use of other features without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications maybe made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essentialscope and spirit of the present invention. It is intended that theinvention not be limited to the particular terms used in followingclaims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within thescope of the appended claims. Thus, the scope of the invention is to bedetermined solely by the appended claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:
 1. An amusement system, comprising: a body havinga rotational symmetry including an axis extending between a firstreference point and a second reference point and further including areference plane extending perpendicularly from said axis between saidreference points, said reference plane defining a reference perimeter; aplurality of magnetic components distributed about said referenceperimeter; and a controller, independent from said body, including amagnet structure configured to control a direction of motion of saidbody as it spins over a play surface.
 2. The system of claim 1 whereinsaid body includes a spherical shell containing said reference pointsand said reference plane.
 3. The system of claim 1 further comprising ananti-swallowing structure, coupled to said body, encapsulating saidplurality of magnetic components.
 4. The system of claim 2 furthercomprising an anti-swallowing structure, coupled to said body,encapsulating said plurality of magnetic components.
 5. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said reference perimeter defines a circle.
 6. The systemof claim 1 wherein each said magnetic component includes a firstmagnetic pole associated with a second magnetic pole, said polesdisposed within said reference plane, with each said first magnetic polecloser to said axis than each said associated second pole wherein allsaid first magnetic poles have a same magnetic pole selected from anorth magnetic pole or a south magnetic pole.
 7. The system of claim 2wherein each said magnetic component includes a first magnetic poleassociated with a second magnetic pole, said poles disposed within saidreference plane, with each said first magnetic pole closer to said axisthan each said associated second pole wherein all said first magneticpoles have a same magnetic pole selected from a north magnetic pole or asouth magnetic pole.
 8. The system of claim 3 wherein each said magneticcomponent includes a first magnetic pole associated with a secondmagnetic pole, said poles disposed within said reference plane, witheach said first magnetic pole closer to said axis than each saidassociated second pole wherein all said first magnetic poles have a samemagnetic pole selected from a north magnetic pole or a south magneticpole.
 9. The system of claim 4 wherein each said magnetic componentincludes a first magnetic pole associated with a second magnetic pole,said poles disposed within said reference plane, with each said firstmagnetic pole closer to said axis than each said associated second polewherein all said first magnetic poles have a same magnetic pole selectedfrom a north magnetic pole or a south magnetic pole.
 10. The system ofclaim 5 wherein said controller includes a ring including said magneticstructure.
 11. A method of operating an amusement system, comprising: a)spinning a first body on a play surface producing a spinning first body,said first body having a rotational symmetry including a first axisextending between a first reference point and a second reference pointand further including a first reference plane extending perpendicularlyfrom said axis between said reference points, said first reference planedefining a first reference perimeter; and a plurality of magneticcomponents distributed about said first reference perimeter, whereinsaid first reference point is proximate said play surface and whereinsaid second reference point extends above said play surface; and b)positioning a first controller, independent from said first body, oversaid second reference point while said first body is spinning, saidfirst controller including a magnet structure complementary to saidplurality of magnetic components; and c) inducing a movement of saidspinning first body over said play surface by translating said firstcontroller over said play surface proximate said second reference point.12. The method of claim 11 wherein each said magnetic component of saidfirst body includes a first magnetic pole associated with a secondmagnetic pole, said poles disposed within said reference plane, witheach said first magnetic pole closer to said axis than each saidassociated second pole wherein all said first magnetic poles have a samemagnetic pole selected from a north magnetic pole or a south magneticpole, further comprising: d) spinning a second body on said play surfaceproducing a spinning second body wherein each said magnetic component ofsaid second body includes a first magnetic pole associated with a secondmagnetic pole, said poles disposed within said reference plane, witheach said first magnetic pole closer to said axis than each saidassociated second pole wherein all said first magnetic poles have a samemagnetic pole selected from a north magnetic pole or a south magneticpole and different from said first magnetic poles of said first body; e)positioning a second controller, independent from said bodies, over saidsecond reference point of said second body while said second body isspinning, said second controller including a magnet structurecomplementary to said plurality of magnetic components of said secondbody; and f) inducing a movement of said spinning second body over saidplay surface by translating said second controller over said playsurface proximate said second reference point of said second bodyconcurrent with step c).
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein each saidbody includes a housing having a game play graphic component disposedthereon further comprising: g) contacting said spinning bodies togetherat a contact point for each said housing which fixes a relative positionof said contact point with respect to each said game play graphiccomponent; and h) resolving a match event by comparing said contactpoint to each said game play graphic component.
 14. The method of claim11 wherein said play surface may include a track portion assembled froma set of predetermined track portion options.
 15. The method of claim 12wherein said play surface may include a track portion assembled from aset of predetermined track portion options.
 16. The method of claim 13wherein said play surface may include a track portion assembled from aset of predetermined track portion options.